APPAREL REVIEW: New Balance Performance Merino Half-Zip

by Marathon SportsOctober 28, 2015

by Chaz Koch, soundRUNNER Glastonbury store manager

With fall temperatures fluctuating so much lately, I’ve had a hard time deciding what to wear. When I leave the house for my run in the morning, it’s 30* out. But by the time I get back home to finish the run, it’s noticeably warmer.

I was skeptical about this midlayer – when you think wool, your first thought is warm. But did you know that wool is actually a great material for temperature regulation in general? Wool is the only material in the world naturally grown by mammals for the purpose of regulating their body temperatures in all climates. It’s also naturally water-resistant and antimicrobial.

Knowing that, it’s actually quite surprising that more winter running apparel is not crafted from wool. The New Balance Performance Merino Half-Zip is made from fine fibers that provide a very soft touch on the skin. It’s got the perfect blend of merino wool (65%) and polyester (35%) to provide a great feel during the run while keeping my body temperature at an optimum level.

Some added features that make this piece a great option for winter running: thumbholes, reflective trim, a bonded front zip pocket for keys and ID, and a great contoured shape.
The Performance Merino Half Zip is available in men’s S-XL and women’s XS-XL in Marathon Sports locations.

In case you’re not convinced yet that you need this amazing midlayer to get you through another brutal New England winter, check this out (thanks to New Balance for this great video – filmed in South Boston!):